Wildfires are burning in different parts of the state. The latest on containment efforts and on the continued risk.President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress received an intensely divided reception. What he said that could impact Texas.In our ongoing exploration of how Texas came to get the energy system it has today, we go back into history and the 1970s energy crisis.We could be nearing the end of an era: that of the paperback book. Why some publishers are shying away from paperback releases.And: It’s nearly time for one of Texas’ biggest festivals. We’ll take a look at a little of what’s to come at this year’s South by Southwest. The post Fire danger and the weather ahead appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Texas is in the crosshairs as tariffs against Mexico and Canada take hold. Why, what it means, and could short-term pain add up to long-term gain? At the state capitol, a bill aimed at raising wages for workers who care for people with disabilities. Why some fear it won’t be enough to stem a critical shortage of such workers in Texas. “Office Space” may have been a funny movie filmed in Texas, but there’s nothing funny about what a glut of unused office space is doing to the state’s metros. How one city’s trying to deal with the repercussions. Speaking of movies, oh the horror! Why so few of the scary variety get critical acclaim, despite a growing public appetite. The post Why Texas is so vulnerable to tariff impacts appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

With a hot, dry summer looming, how some state lawmakers want to reduce the risk of wildfires.It’s been decades since active-duty troops patrolled Big Bend. Now they may be headed back to the national park.Nearly two years after one of the deadliest human smuggling incidents in Texas, a look at how victims’ families and survivors are coping.And: We’ll check in with the Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey about the week ahead at the Legislature and what’s coming up for school funding. The post Troops may return to Big Bend National Park appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

One year later, how are people in the Panhandle managing recovery after the biggest wildfire in Texas history?The impact of DOGE cuts hits national parks in Texas, including a historical park in San Antonio. Jack Morgan of Texas Public Radio has more.Capital Metro, Austin’s transit agency, saw its payment system collapse for about a month in 2024. We’ll hear what went wrong, and what’s happening now.And: With egg prices going up, have you considered raising your own chickens? Lots of Texans have – but you might want to think twice. The post A year after the Smokehouse Creek Fire appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Pending mass layoffs at the IRS could complicate tax season, putting additional pressure on taxpayers. Meanwhile, over a million Texas children have fallen off Medicaid rolls due to bureaucratic hurdles, sparking conversations about streamlined enrollment. The podcast also discusses the urgent need for educational reforms, especially for dyslexia support in schools. Additionally, Texas Monthly's new map has ignited debates over regional identities, along with defining Houston's place in the state. Munting complexities and community pride are at the forefront of these discussions.

One person has now died in the Texas measles outbreak that’s up to more than 120 official cases.Hit the road in many parts of Texas these days and you’re likely to see some Teslas. So how are those drivers feeling about the very public and controversial latest moves by CEO Elon Musk?Teacher pay increases may come this Texas legislative session. But what form they might take is unclear.The U.S. military isn’t completely avoiding the same cuts ripping through other parts of government right now.Plus: There’s something in the air in El Paso – and it isn’t pleasant. A look at a change in air quality and when its expected to lift. The post What’s affecting El Paso’s air quality? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

An appeals court upholds a decision to remove the judge who pushed the state to improve conditions for foster children. What happens now?A controversial lottery win leads Texas to ban third-party apps selling tickets.A federal court has blocked the SAVE plan, a Biden-era initiative aimed at lowering – and in some cases, erasing – student loan debt for millions. What it means for those enrolled.And: Lawmakers consider a bill that would increase housing by converting vacant office space into places to live. The post Controversies and resignations at the Texas Lottery Commission appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

What would be the implications for a Texas constitutional amendment “protecting the right of parents to raise their children”? Blaise Gainey of The Texas newsroom tells us who’s pushing it and the questions surrounding it.Texas-based Southwest and American Airlines are joining with Delta, JetBlue and United to ask a court to overturn a rule requiring them to meet higher standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities.The measles outbreak spreads beyond West Texas, with possible exposures at the San Antonio Riverwalk and at San Marcos’ Texas State University.Plus: The Texas Ballet Theater will soon debut new commissions from women choreographers for the first time in about 20 years. The post Major airlines target rule setting standard for disability accommodations appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Blaise Ganey, a Texas newsroom reporter, sheds light on the contentious school choice bill and its implications for public education funding. Joining him is Daniel Oney, Research Director at the Texas Real Estate Research Center, who forecasts housing trends for 2025. They discuss the rising single-family home prices, stagnating rental markets, and the urgent need for affordable housing amidst Texas' booming population. The conversation also touches on public health issues, including flea-borne typhus, that complicate the housing landscape.

A nearly $5 billion bill filed in the Legislature seeks to provide across-the-board raises for teachers and put more money toward bonuses.Lithium-ion batteries are a major fire threat. Learn why and what consumers can do.Texans love sharing their favorite under-the-radar barbecue spots, but how often do they actually live up to the hype? Texas Monthly BBQ editor Daniel Vaughn recently discovered a standout.And: The Center for Biological Diversity is suing the USDA to stop its wildlife trapping and killing program in Texas, arguing that the program should be re-evaluated based on updated science, particularly concerning mountain lions and black bears. The post Lawsuit challenges federal wildlife trapping in Texas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.